DECLARATION BY N.Z.

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 137, 11 June 1940, Page 8

DECLARATION BY N.Z.

INTERNMENT OF ITALIANS

IMMEDIATE ACTION

New Zealand has declared war on Italy. A special Gazette signed by his Excellency the Governor-General (Lord Galway) was issued today, as follows: "His Excellency the Governor-General has it in command from his Majesty the King to declare that a state of war exists between his Majesty and the King of Italy, and that such state of war has existed from 10.30 a.m., New Zealand Standard Time, on June 11." Immediately if was known that a state of war existed between Great Britain and Italy steps were taken by the New Zealand Government to check up on enemy aliens resident in New Zealand, and this morning a considerable number of Italians known to possess Fascist sympathies were interned by the authorities. These included a proportion of Italians born in New Zealand. This information was given in an interview today by the Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser), who said that the strictest precautions were being observed so far as all enemy. aliens were concerned. Wherever necessary guards outside Italian premises had been increased.

"Further action will be taken wherever and whenever necessary," declared Mr. Fraser.

Early this morning an officer of the Internal Affairs Department visited the Italian Consul (Dr. B. d'Acunzo), and the usual steps have been taken to facilitate this official's departure. In the meantime a guard has been placed outside his office in Aitken Street and the status, privileges, and prerogatives of the consulship have ceased.